NL West

Now Commenting On:

Solano riding hitting streak, flirting with .300

Solano riding hitting streak, flirting with .300

Email

Print

Donovan Solano

By
/
|

MIAMI -- Donovan Solano has turned plenty of heads during his rookie season with the Marlins.

After an impressive Spring Training, Solano missed out on the team's Opening Day roster. Since getting called up in late May, however, Solano has been one of the Marlins' most consistent players and a bright spot in a tough season.

"I try to do the best I can," Solano said. "I know I need to get hits, play well, everything like that. I know my game and I go out and play."

Solano is flirting with a .300 average, sitting at .299 with three games left on the schedule. After doubling in the fifth inning Sunday, the Colombia-born infielder has a 10-game hitting streak. Solano has two double-digit hit streaks this season. He hit in 12 straight from Aug. 17-29.

During his current hit streak, Solano is batting .447 with three doubles, two homers and five RBIs.

In September, Solano is hitting .311 with 13 RBIs -- one behind Carlos Lee for most on the team this month. He also leads the way with 13 runs scored (tied with Reyes) and 33 hits, coming on strong heading into the offseason, when he will play for Colombia during World Baseball Classic qualifying in Panama in November and possibly play some winter ball to hone his skills.

"I need to keep doing it moving forward for next year," Solano said. "I want to do the same next year."

While Solano has put together an impressive season and made a big impression as a rookie, the question remains as to whether he can be the club's everyday second baseman next season. Sunday was his 53rd start at second, where he has found a home since the Marlins traded Omar Infante to Detroit and Emilio Bonifacio was sidelined by a string of injuries.

"Maybe I can do it, but right now I don't know," Solano said. "It's not my choice, but I want to be the second baseman. I want to be in the lineup every day for the next year. I want to play and represent the Marlins every day, every game and give my heart. I'm so happy if I will be the second baseman."